Off-campus ETSU users: To download "Campus Only" theses, please use the following link to log in to our proxy server with your ETSU username and password.

Non-ETSU users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.

Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Biology

Date of Award

12-2001

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Carolyn M. Wetzel

Committee Members

Cecilia A. McIntosh, Hugh A. Miller III

Abstract

Plants absorb light for photosynthesis, but not all is used. Excess light energy may lead to photoinhibition of photosynthesis and irreversible photooxidative damage. Plants have evolved mechanisms for energy dissipation under high light stress. One such response may involve production of ELIP.

It is of interest to know what signal(s) may be involved in ELIP expression. My hypothesis is that redox status of the chloroplast photosynthetic electron transport Chain (PETC) and/or chlororespiration may induce ELIP expression. Using the Arabidopsis thaliana immutans (im) chlororespiratory mutant, this hypothesis was tested. Etiolated seedlings of this variegated mutant were subjected to various light intensities over 0-24 hr period and ELIP mRNA levels were analyzed. These were compared with the wild type plants treated in the same manner.

It was found that mature thylakoids may not be required for ELIP expression, and that both photoreceptor-dependent and independent components may be involved in ELIP expression.

Document Type

Thesis - restricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

Share

COinS